· Bible dictionary
Sanctification
The Spirit's ongoing work of conforming the believer to Christ's likeness — growing in holiness across a lifetime.
Sanctification flows from justification but is distinct from it. We are declared righteous once; we are made righteous over time.
It is God's work and the believer's work together — the Spirit produces fruit, while we put off the old and put on the new.
Its goal is full conformity to Christ at the resurrection; until then, growth is real but incomplete.
Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.